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5.08.2012

Papalote Mexican Grill

Papalote is one of the popular taquerias chains in SF. Made even more popular by being featured on Food Network's throwdown with Bobby Flay, where they beat him in a burrito throwdown. If squeaky clean and vegan menu options are your thing, then Papalote is the place for you. Personally, I've never saw the appeal of this place (its a step above Chipotle to me), especially the one in the Mission, where there are much better (and cheaper) burritos within blocks of the Mission location. I've had a couple of their burritos and found the meats to be dry and flavorless. In my tiny protest of an Amercanized burrito (soy chorizo?!) and only vegan bean option, the only thing I could get here was the guacamole and chips ($7.50).

Even at that price I was expecting a little bit more than the handful of chips they gave me. Possibly the first time ever that I finished off the whole bag of chips with half the guac left to spare, and no that's not because the portion of guac was generous. To be fair the guac was mostly avocado and none of that tomato/salsa filler some places usually give you.

Chips and salsa at Papalote - #46 on 2012 7x7 SF's Top 100 Eats

People sware by the salsa here. Its so popular that Papalote now sells it by the jars. It somewhat creamy but with a slight salsa texture. If you've had La Victoria's orange sauce in San Jose, its a varied take on that with Papalote's being a little sweeter and less creamy. Although, Papalote's orange sauce has nothing on La Vic's orange sauce. La Vic's orange sauce is just magical.